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Old 11-04-2017, 05:21 PM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Fernandina Beach
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Year: 2002
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Freightliner
Engine: Caterpillar 3126
Rated Cap: 25
Paint and other recommendations...

Hey everyone,

I'm 18 years old, and I just bought a 2002 Thomas FS-65. No rust on it, brand new transmission put in by the district, and I'm rolling. I have done years of research on Skoolie's and want to ask a few, very specific questions.
  1. What kind of paint do I need to use, and what products should I use to paint the bus (brushes, rollers, etc.)?
  2. What do you use to cover the windows that won't be used?

I have posted a picture of the bus itself, and a picture of some of the seats taken out.
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Old 11-04-2017, 10:50 PM   #2
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Welcome to the group! Congrats on your first bus. Everyone uses different things to paint their bus. I through on some Rustoleum Primer Spray today and plan on spraying the color on as well... spray as in spray can... others roll, other's use a paint sprayer, etc.

There are several threads about painting here. If you check out my WanderLust Bus build (http://www.skoolie.net/forums/f11/th...tml#post232703) I just posted some pics of the awesome number and decal wheel that I used to get them off of the bus with ease.

Sandi
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Old 11-10-2017, 04:09 PM   #3
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Year: 1993
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We opted for Rustoleum paint. Almost everyone will say to prime the whole thing but I just sanded off all the logos and primed them since there was raw metal showing. Saved a lot of money on Primer and in the end we’re super happy after 3 coats.


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Old 11-10-2017, 04:54 PM   #4
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Looks great, Blue!
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Old 11-10-2017, 06:40 PM   #5
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Looks great, Blue!


Thanks! [emoji120] still have some bumpers and rims to accent white but we’re in love with the Rustoleum, it sticks to everything.


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Old 11-10-2017, 06:41 PM   #6
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Thanks! [emoji120] still have some bumpers and rims to accent white but we’re in love with the Rustoleum, it sticks to everything.


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I like it too.
Have you tried using it with an enamel hardener?
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Old 11-10-2017, 06:49 PM   #7
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I like it too.

Have you tried using it with an enamel hardener?


[emoji120] Never added any enamel hardener but I hear it helps it dry faster.

Forgot to mention we thinned it out and used Ultra Smooth Surface rollers of various sizes. Took a solid 3 weeks but we have too much wind to spray without ruining the place we’re parked at. Definitely spray if you have the chance I’d say after rolling and dabbing with sponge brushes.


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Old 11-10-2017, 06:52 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by BigBlue View Post
[emoji120] Never added any enamel hardener but I hear it helps it dry faster.

Forgot to mention we thinned it out and used Ultra Smooth Surface rollers of various sizes. Took a solid 3 weeks but we have too much wind to spray without ruining the place we’re parked at. Definitely spray if you have the chance I’d say after rolling and dabbing with sponge brushes.


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yeah, thinning it a bit is good, too.
the hardener makes it dry faster, but it makes for a bit more durable finish. I've only used it recently, but its nice.
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Old 11-10-2017, 07:11 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by EastCoastCB View Post
yeah, thinning it a bit is good, too.

the hardener makes it dry faster, but it makes for a bit more durable finish. I've only used it recently, but its nice.


Oh good to know! That would be perfect to use on rims and bumpers since I still have to do them anyway.


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Old 12-10-2017, 02:46 PM   #10
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Wondering if anyone splurged and spent the money on the three part Delstar enamel? I painted some add on cabinets for my tool box and it stands up well to Knicks and dings. It was over$200 a gallon with thinner and hardener.

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Old 12-10-2017, 03:03 PM   #11
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Nope. It wouldn't even be a consideration with me. I did check on that stuff and kind of laughed in the paint guy's face. Rustoleum man, that's why this bus is so pretty.
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Old 12-12-2017, 03:10 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BigBlue View Post
Thanks! [emoji120] still have some bumpers and rims to accent white but we’re in love with the Rustoleum, it sticks to everything.


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Where did you get the blue Rustoleum? I've been looking everywhere: custom auto paint store, WalMart, Auto Zone, Google, etc. Can't seem to find light blue Rustoleum.
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Old 12-12-2017, 03:19 PM   #13
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Where did you get the blue Rustoleum? I've been looking everywhere: custom auto paint store, WalMart, Auto Zone, Google, etc. Can't seem to find light blue Rustoleum.
I blended my own. Start with gallon of gloss white, slowly add quart of blue rustoleum until happy. Doesn't take much.

You cannot tint rustoleum using latex tints.
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Old 12-12-2017, 04:29 PM   #14
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I blended my own. Start with gallon of gloss white, slowly add quart of blue rustoleum until happy. Doesn't take much.

You cannot tint rustoleum using latex tints.
Thanks Rusty!
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